The 22-year-old Wasps wing was named both the Computacenter Players' Player of the Year and the LV= Young Player of the Year in recognition of a spectacular season. Wade scored 18 tries in 26 appearances and he finished level with Wasps team-mate Tom Varndell as the Aviva Premiership's joint leading try-scorer with 12.

Wilkinson is the only other player to have won both RPA awards - but he did so in different years, receiving the young player trophy in 1999 and the main award in 2003, and Wade said: "I didn't know that. I am really shocked and humbled. When it is the players who you play week-in, week-out it makes it that more special."

He added: "It is the greatest feeling to have the respect of your peers. Looking at the quality of the nominees in both awards I didn't expect to win and I am thankful to come out on top."

Wade won the Players' Player Of The Year award ahead of the Leicester flanker Julian Salvi with Saracens and England prop Mako Vunipola in third, while Vunipola finished runner-up in the Young Player Of The Year award with his brother, the Saracens-bound Wasps number eight Billy, in third.

Wasps were strongly represented with lock Joe Launchbury named the Monitise England Player of the Year for 2012-2013.

Launchbury made his international breakthrough this season and that is the next challenge for Wade, who is set to feature against the Barbarians on Sunday before heading off on the tour of Uruguay and Argentina.

"I will just look to go out there and give my best if I am selected and use it as a springboard to the Argentina tour," said Wade, who has scored 32 tries in his 50 first-team appearances for Wasps.

"When you look at the opportunity to play for England, you don't really get many. You see some players who have seized the opportunity and some who haven't.

"There is a lot of pressure and if I get the opportunity in (the two Test matches against) Argentina I need to take it with both hands because it might not come around again."

The Saints captain was selected as one of three hookers by head coach Warren Gatland and he will lock horns at Twickenham with his England and Lions rival Tom Youngs. Hartley lost his England starting place to Youngs this season - but he is not prepared to be written off as anybody's understudy before the Lions even leave for Australia.

"I think a few people think I am in the Lions squad to cover the third hooker place (behind Youngs and Richard Hibbard)," Hartley said. "I see this weekend as a chance to push myself forward. I am going there to win a trophy for the club but it is an opportunity to play well and put my hand up."

He added: "With rugby you understand that injuries happen and selections don't always go your way but you have to bide your time. Like Arnie said 'I'll be back'. I am not done. Everyone has their time in the sun and I am here for the long game."

While the Lions is a strong personal motivation for Hartley, it is the opportunity to bury years of knock-out heartache that will drive Northampton on.

Hartley has lost four Premiership semi-finals with Northampton and the 2011 Heineken Cup final, which was the most painful of all the defeats.

The Saints led 22-6 after a sublime first 40 minutes at the Millennium Stadium but Leinster, inspired by Jonathan Sexton, staged a remarkable comeback to win 33-22.

"I have had some good times here but the disappointment of losing four consecutive semi-finals and the Heineken Cup final, and losing them in the fashion we have, is heartbreaking," Hartley said.

"You start pre-season with these lads, you all become best friends and you work together. You lose away at Gloucester together and you have the horrible bus ride home.

"But then you win the next week. You go through thick and thin with these lads. The prospect of going to Twickenham with your mates, playing in front of 85,000 and winning a trophy at the end is huge. I just don't want this weekend to be another one of those heartbreak games."

Saints looked certain to register their worst run for 34 years after an abject first quarter in which their confidence appeared to be at rock bottom. But their fortunes were transformed in remarkable fashion.

They pulled two tries back in six minutes before half-time and ran in three more in a 10-minute spell early in the second half, two of them by winger Tom Makinson, who finished with 14 points. Then, after Leeds threatened a late fightback, 18-year-old prop Luke Thompson, playing only his third Super League match, went over for the match-clinching try that lifts Saints back into the top eight and breathes new life into their season.

The Rhinos, who gave a debut to 18-year-old Liam Sutcliffe, punished handling errors inside their own 20-metre area by Jordan Turner and Thompson to create the position for Kallum Watkins, restored to his customary centre spot, to take Zak Hardaker's pass and open the scoring with his ninth try in the last seven games.

Four minutes later dangerous centre Joel Moon took Danny McGuire's pass and jinked past Nathan Ashe before stretching out of Jon Wilkin's tackle to touch down.

Saints had second rower Sia Soliola put on report for what looked to be a shoulder charge on McGuire in the build-up to the try and things got worse for the visitors midway through the first half when Rob Burrow dummied his way over for a soft try. Kevin Sinfield kicked a second goal to make it 16-0 but Saints struck back with two quickfire tries to claw their way back into the contest.

Both scores were the result of smart work at dummy half by Stuart Howarth, whose neatly timed passes opened up the Leeds defence to create gaps for Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Soliola to stroll through. Makinson added both conversions to cut the gap to just four points and he brought the scores level three minutes into the second half with the try of the match.

Willie Manu started off a 70-metre move with a tremendous pass out of the tackle to release Mark Percival and he went on to draw Hardaker before releasing his winger. Makinson was wide with the goalkick but Saints were in front for the first time four minutes later when Hardaker tried to get the ball back in play to avoid a goal-line drop-out but succeeded only in gifting a try to Saints prop Anthony Laffranchi.

Makinson kicked his third goal and Saints stretched their lead to 26-16 five minutes later when Paul Wellens' grubber kick on the last tackle eluded the unfortunate Hardaker and Makinson pounced for his second try.

The game threatened to take another twist when a charging run by Leeds second rower Jamie Jones-Buchanan set up the position for prop Ryan Bailey to take Burrow's pass from just short of the line to crash over for his side's fourth's try on 58 minutes. But there was no way back for the champions when Thompson scored his second try for the club.

Goode and Tomkins have been sidelined by shoulder and ankle injuries respectively and will miss Sunday's clash with the Barbarians at Twickenham and the trip to Uruguay and Argentina.

Uncapped Northampton backs Burrell and Myler will link up with England after Saturday's Aviva Premiership final against Leicester.

"Luther and Stephen have played well in the second half of the season and have a great opportunity to put a marker down for the future on this tour," said England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

Goode and Tomkins were pencilled in to play against the Barbarians following Saracens' elimination from the Premiership play-offs.

"Our commiserations go to Alex Goode and Joel Tomkins," added Lancaster. "It's disappointing that they have to miss out but they've had excellent seasons and I'm sure they'll be back in contention next season."

Nine tourists are appearing in Saturday's final between Leicester and Northampton, so Lancaster has called up Exeter scrum-half Haydn Thomas and Sale lock Kearnan Myall to assist in the build-up to the Barbarians.

"It's good to have Haydn and Kearnan involved in the senior England environment ahead of what should be a great game against a very strong Barbarians team," said Lancaster.

"They have both played well recently and deserve this opportunity."

Wilkinson was crowned European player of the year on Sunday, less than 24 hours after steering Toulon to victory over Clermont Auvergne in the Heineken Cup final. The 33-year-old was asked to tour by Gatland before the 37-strong squad was announced on April 30, but he rejected the opportunity due to his commitments at Toulon and deteriorating fitness.

"We've been through the conversation that we had with Jonny and nothing's changed on that," the Kiwi said. "If we picked up an injury on tour then maybe there's a conversation to be had. Jonny's a good player, but we've had the conversation about him."

Jonathan Sexton and Owen Farrell are the two options at fly-half for the Lions.

Wilkinson captained Toulon to a staggering 16-15 victory over Clermont Auvergne in Saturday's Dublin final.

The 33-year-old did not miss a kick in the knock-out stages of the tournament, landing 17 from 17 as Toulon defeated Leicester, Saracens and then Clermont to be crowned European champions.

"To receive an award of this importance towards the end of my career is really special. I feel privileged to have been nominated," Wilkinson said.

Three of the final five-man shortlist were from Clermont - the former All Black wing Sitiveni Sivivatu, France centre Wesley Fofana and loose-forward Julien Bonnaire.

Jamie Heaslip, who captained Leinster to the Amlin Challenge Cup title with victory over Stade Francais on Friday night, completed the list of nominees.

Deans included three uncapped players in his squad, with code-hopper Israel Folau capping a remarkable rise for the former rugby league international after just 12 Super 15 appearances for the Waratahs since switching from Australian rules football at the start of the season. Brumbies captain Ben Mowen and inside centre Christian Lealiifano were the other new faces in the group.

Deans said: "Today is not the end of it for players who haven't been named. There are six more places to be filled in the squad while every Super Rugby player in Australia will have the opportunity to play international rugby against the Lions during the tour matches, as will the country representative players. It's an exciting time."

Deans said the selection was based on both current Super Rugby form and previous Test background, adding that preparation time for the squad was important.

He said: "That time will be critical. You only have to look back to the experience in 2001, where Australia lost the first Test, to see the consequence of a compromised preparation. We have our own more recent experience of something similar."

Experienced Brumbies flanker George Smith (knee) and Waratahs hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau (fractured arm) have both been overlooked, opening the door for Reds duo Liam Gill and Saia Fainga'a. There was also no room for former John Eales medallist Kurtley Beale or inside centre Pat McCabe (knee injury), with Waratahs midfielder Rob Horne getting the nod in a selection surprise.

Waratahs playmaker Berrick Barnes made the cut after two impressive performances off the bench upon return from injury, while winger Nick Cummins was the only Western Force player included.

But Cooper's non-selection will be the major talking point in the coming days. Rebels utility James O'Connor is considered the man most likely to wear the number 10 shirt in the first Test in Brisbane on June 22, while Barnes and Lealiifano are also options.

However, Cooper can still play his way into the Wallabies squad, with a further six players to be added on June 11. The 38-Test fly-half still has two Super 15 games and the Reds versus Lions midweek fixture to impress selectors before the final 31 are chosen. Beale could also be a late inclusion despite checking himself into a rehab clinic to deal with alcohol-related issues on Monday.

Preliminary Australia 25-man squad: Ben Alexander, Berrick Barnes, Nick Cummins, Dave Dennis, Saia Fainga'a, Israel Folau, Will Genia, Liam Gill, Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, James Horwill, Digby Ioane, Sekope Kepu, Christian Lealiifano, Stephen Moore, Ben Mowen, James O'Connor, Wycliff Palu, Benn Robinson, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Sitaleki Timani, Joe Tomane.

Tomkins ran in three tries, created three more and toyed with the Broncos from start to finish as the visitors maintained their grip on top spot in Super League, taking their eighth win on the trot and leaving London mired at the wrong end of the table.

Wane said: "What can you say - Sam is a total one-off. He really is a class act - his competitive nature in training and on the pitch is a joy to see. His individual try he scored today was one of the best I have ever seen. I just wish we had more players who had that attitude."

He added: "Our attack was really crisp and I thought our concentration levels throughout were fantastic."

The Warriors raced out of the blocks and rarely looked back, with Josh Charnley, Pat Richards twice and Tomkins all crossing within the first 15 minutes. Richards then added his third, with Tomkins and George Williams adding further tries for a 38-0 interval lead.

Any thoughts that Wigan may have eased off after the break were soon put to bed, with Ben Flower, Tomkins, Charnley (two) and Sam Powell running in additional scores.

For the shell-shocked Broncos, a consolation try from Luke Dorn was as good as it got.

London coach Tony Rea moaned: "The players did not come out with any sort of intent and Wigan have the players who can exploit those gaps. We know there will be lows after highs, but such a low as that is unacceptable.

"We are measuring ourselves against teams like Wigan, and I thought there were performances out there today that showed me a lot of those players are not the answer in terms of where this club wants to be.

"We have some challenging times ahead and some tough decisions have to be made."

Wilkinson captained Toulon to a staggering 16-15 victory over Clermont Auvergne in Dublin, kicking three penalties and the decisive conversion following Delon Armitage's try.

"It is right up there," Wilkinson said. "In fact, it goes beyond (winning the World Cup) because life is in the now, it is not in the past. The next thing you search for, the next goal you set life just gets better and better if you are in a club as good as this."

Toulon were on the back foot for the majority of the match and their shot at European glory appeared over when tries from Naipolioni Nalaga and Brock James put Clermont 15-6 ahead, but Toulon hit back with Wilkinson landing a third penalty and then Armitage streaking clear after Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe had pilfered a turnover.

Toulon then defended valiantly to protect their lead and Clermont lost their composure, with David Skrela seeing a late drop-goal attempt charged down.

Wilkinson added: "It has been hugely important (to win this). You ask yourselves the questions all the time whether you still merit being there, whether you still deserve to be in teams like this. Moments like this give you that opportunity to look at it and realise what an amazing opportunity we all have."

The statistics highlight how much Clermont were on top, with Toulon enjoying just 25 per cent of territory and 32 per cent of possession but they tackled like dervishes, making a remarkable 176 to 66.

Wilkinson did not miss a place kick in the quarter-final, semi-final or final and he combined with Mathieu Bastareaud to close down Skrela as the Clermont fly-half lined up the late drop-goal effort.

Wilkinson turned down an invitation to tour with the British and Irish Lions because of his commitment to Toulon, with whom he has just signed a new one-year deal having contemplated retirement. For Wilkinson, the manner of this victory summed up why he had put Toulon first.

"I had a chat with Warren Gatland and said 'this is me now' and because of the stage of my career he fully understood," Wilkinson said. "We have played quarter-final, semi-final, final and you fight to stick in there to earn every point. That is what makes it feel so good at the end."

Wilkinson kicked three penalties and landed the decisive conversion to Delon Armitage's try as Toulon rallied from 15-6 down to clinch their first major trophy in over two decades.

Clermont Auvergne dominated the first half and appeared to take control of the final with quick-fire tries after the interval from Fijian wing Naipolioni Nalaga and the Australian fly-half Brock James.

But Wilkinson had said before the game that European glory was all he had left to play for in the twilight days of his career and Toulon epitomised the desire of their captain.

Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe pilfered a crucial turnover, Armitage streaked clear to score and Wilkinson's conversion edged Toulon into the lead for the first time after 65 minutes.

And they would not relinquish it with Wilkinson - who else? - charging out to block a drop-goal attempt from David Skrela with fewer than two minutes remaining of a pulsating contest.

That charge-down sealed Toulon victory and Wilkinson his first title and his first winners' medal since the 2003 Rugby World Cup final.

Toulon players were in tears at the Aviva Stadium and Wilkinson was joined in celebration by four compatriots with Armitage, his brother Steffon, Andrew Sheridan and Nick Kennedy all European champions.

Gethin Jenkins became the ninth Welshman to win the Heineken Cup after a contest every bit as tight, intense and ferocious as expected.

The trio's efforts were part of a 12-try Warriors blitz, with George Williams, Sam Powell and Ben Flower adding their own scores as the visitors strengthened their grip at the top of Super League to three points.

As well as his hat-trick of tries, Richards added 16 points with the boot to end London's three-match winning streak at home, with Luke Dorn's solitary touchdown their only bright spot during a miserable afternoon.

Daryl Powell's first match in charge of Castleford Tigers ended in a hard-fought defeat as Catalan Dragons held off a second-half fightback to win 39-30.

The hosts led 30-6 at half-time thanks to tries from Daryl Millard, Vincent Duport, Louis Anderson, Steven Menzies and Morgan Escare, all converted by Thomas Bosc, with Josh Thompson crossing for the visitors' sole score.

The Tigers came roaring back after the break, Thompson getting his second, Justin Carney scoring twice and Daryl Clark also going over, but Eloi Pelissier's sixth try for Catalan and a late drop goal and penalty from Bosc made sure the hosts held off the fightback.

The Irish province will lose their status as European champions on Saturday night when they are succeeded by either Jonny Wilkinson's Toulon or Clermont Auvergne. But Schmidt insisted winning the Challenge Cup at the RDS Arena more than made up for that disappointment, after watching his side run four tries past Stade.

"It's a trophy we have wanted for the last two months," said Schmidt. "For 20-odd hours we are both the Heineken Cup and Amlin Cup holders and that is a special thing. This is our third European trophy in three years and if you had said that at the start of the season I would have taken it with both hands."

Leinster raced into a 21-6 lead at the interval with tries from Ian Madigan, Sean Cronin and Rob Kearney with Cian Healy coming off the bench to score the fourth.

Jonathan Sexton kicked 14 points and was named man of the match as Leinster claimed the first half of a potential trophy double, with the Rabodirect PRO12 final to come against Ulster next week.

"We have one match to play so no matter what happens we have to turn around and try and do our best next Saturday," said Schmidt, who leaves Leinster after the PRO12 final to take charge of Ireland.

"I am a reasonably simple person, I just want to focus on next Saturday now. It is something that has eluded us in the last two seasons, we have won Europe and lost the Celtic League. To win the PRO12 would be massive. We will be looking to double up if we can."

Jamie Heaslip captained Leinster to victory but he handed the trophy-lifting honours to Sexton, who is leaving for Racing Metro in the summer, and retiring wing Isa Nacewa. "It was a no-brainer to be honest," Heaslip said. "Those two guys had such an influence on the game and such an influence on the squad."

Stade captain Sergio Parisse was a towering presence but the French side were not as clinical as Leinster and only managed to break down their defence late in the second half, when the game was already up.

"Leinster analysed our defence really well. They scored their first three tries from first or second phases. They played really well," Parisse said. "I hope this defeat and disappointment will help us grow as a team and give us experience for the future."

The Irish province destroyed Stade Francais at the RDS Arena, running in tries from Ian Madigan, Sean Cronin and Rob Kearney to take a commanding 21-6 lead at the interval.

Cian Healy came off the bench to score the fourth and Jonathan Sexton kicked 14 points as Leinster claimed the first half of a potential trophy double, with the RaboDirect PRO12 final to come against Ulster next week.

Like Chelsea with the Champions League and Europa League, Leinster hold both continental titles simultaneously, although they do so for fewer than 24 hours. Jonny Wilkinson's Toulon clash with Clermont Auvergne in the Heineken Cup final at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Brian O'Driscoll was sidelined by a back spasm and his battle for fitness is sure to be a theme for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. Leinster were still able to field four Lions in Kearney, Sexton, Sean O'Brien and captain Jamie Heaslip, with Healy coming off the bench. All made their mark, which will have pleased Warren Gatland.

Heineken Cup champions in three of the last four years, Leinster had dropped into the second tier competition after finishing behind Clermont in their pool. But Joe Schmidt's side remain one of the most formidable teams in Europe and proved as much with a brilliantly clinical performance in attack and defiant defensive display.

Leinster took just three minutes to hit their stride with a break from Fijian wing Ica Nacewa and Sexton sent Madigan over for the opening try. That sparked a breathless first half in which Leinster twice repelled Stade Francais, with fly-half Jules Plisson tackled into touch before O'Brien and Sexton combined brilliantly to deny centre Paul Williams.

Sergio Parisse was in inspirational form for Stade but Leinster withstood the French barrage and hit back in devastating fashion, with Andrew Conway rising above Julien Dupuy to collect a high ball from Isaac Boss before sending Cronin over for the try.

Jerome Porical kicked Stade Francais onto the scoreboard but Leinster responded. Nacewa fielded Sexton's cross-kick and then slipped a pass out of the tackle for Kearney to dive over. Porical landed a long distance penalty just before the interval but that was rubbed out when Sexton struck two of his own in the second half to extend Leinster's lead.

Stade worked a consolation try for wing Jeremy Sinzelle, who drove his way through Kearney and Fergus McFadden, who was injured in the process, to score in the corner. But Leinster were irrepressible and Healy drove over from close range and Sexton's conversion - his sixth successful kick from six attempts - rounded off an emphatic victory.

Saracens prop Stevens was one of the surprise inclusions in head coach Warren Gatland's 37-man squad, having retired from international duty with 44 caps to his name in August 2012.

"I have a lot of respect for Adam, I have played against him for the last 10 years. He is a superb player and he has a lot of good things most props want," he said. "He has a lot to his game, I respect him and he is a good bloke which is half the battle in rugby. But, of course, I am not going out there to make up the numbers, we are all competitive animals otherwise we wouldn't be here."

However, despite being back among the international elite, Stevens is not planning to reverse his decision to stand down from England duty.

"I am not thinking about that, it is just about this tour and I am relishing every minute of it," added Stevens.

"Any international player when they retire has second thoughts and it was the most difficult rugby decision I have ever made.

"But it was the right choice at the time, obviously it has given me the chance to play week in, week out for Saracens and has got me in contention for this trip.

"It has been difficult but I didn't retire because I didn't think I was good enough, I retired because there were other things I needed to sort out to get back playing for Saracens.

"I had just come back from injury and it wasn't fair on me playing a bit part for Stuart (Lancaster) when I thought I wasn't going to be there for the World Cup in 2015."

Voyce, who won nine caps, was part of London Welsh's squad in the Aviva Premiership this season but his major career successes came during a six-year spell with Wasps.

The 32-year-old helped Wasps win European and domestic titles during his time with them, moving there from Bath and then leaving to join Gloucester in 2009.

He made a total of 220 Premiership appearances and is the fifth-highest try-scorer in Premiership history with 66 touchdowns.

Voyce will now take up a post with London-based foreign currency specialists Baydonhill FX.

The 34-year-old hooker is in his 17th season of Super League, having begun his professional career with Wigan in 1997, and also had spells with London Broncos and Warrington before joining the Vikings ahead of their return to the top flight two years ago.

"I'm delighted to extend my contract for another 12 months and equally as pleased that my body is allowing me to prolong my career and carry on playing with the Vikings," Clarke said.

"Over the next couple of seasons, Widnes are going to be right up there challenging for honours. It's exciting to be a part of that."

Widnes coach Denis Betts said: "Jon has been our best player by far all season and he is leading the team around really well and offers us so much on the field.

"He is healthy, strong, experienced and one of the fittest blokes at the club and, regardless of his age, he still wants to play the game which is great news because I want him to carry on playing too."

Wales star Warburton is more than happy to play a nervous waiting game in team meetings throughout the 10-match trip, because that is exactly what he thrives on.

"You don't want to become complacent and think you have got a starting place in the team," he said. "I like it when you go into the team announcements and you are on the edge not knowing if you are going to get picked. Knowing that you might not be involved is what keeps you going in training and keeps you dedicated off the pitch as well."

Warburton's approach will come as no surprise to Lions head coach and his Wales boss Warren Gatland, who recently appointed him as the first Welsh Lions leader since 1977. It is that selfless approach that has underpinned his rapid rise to the top, having already captained Wales to a World Cup semi-final and a Six Nations title despite being just 24.

And he has been at the forefront on familiar territory this week during the Lions' first pre-Hong Kong and Australia training camp at the Welsh Rugby Union's magnificent Vale of Glamorgan training facilities.

The squad is not yet at its full 37-man strength, given European and domestic final commitments of teams like Leicester and Leinster, but Warburton has been impressed with what he has seen so far.

"You wonder what it is going to be like, but we've had all the meet and greets, trying on all the kit - there was a monumental amount of kit to get through on Monday - and now we can get back to training," Warburton added.

"The boys have gelled really quickly, as I thought and hoped they would. The schedule from a Lions point of view could be better, but we have just got to deal with what we've got at the moment. We've still got good numbers in training, so there are still plenty of options. What Warren has emphasised is that he feels he has a squad where everyone can compete for a Test starting XV place, and that's the best way to be, so everyone is on edge in training."

The squad will be based in Wales until Friday, before a weekend off and then reconvening for another week's camp, this time at the Ireland Test squad's training base near Dublin.

The Lions are just over two weeks away from their opening tour fixture against the Barbarians in Hong Kong, then nine games follow in Australia, highlighted by three Test match appointments with the Wallabies.

The 27-year-old London Irish centre broke his neck during a pre-season friendly against Munster last August, and despite undergoing extensive rehabilitation, he has been advised to quit on medical grounds. Ansbro, who joined Irish from Northampton, won 11 caps and helped Scotland claim notable victories over South Africa and Australia.

"It is with great sadness that I announce my retirement from professional rugby," he said.

"I have been fortunate enough to play top-level rugby for both Northampton Saints and London Irish.

"To gain international recognition with Scotland has been an immense honour, and victories over South Africa and Australia stand out. Playing this great game at the highest level is a privilege, and I will always look back on my career with fond memories.

"Thank you to all the players, coaches, staff and supporters of London Irish; thank you to everyone at Northampton Saints, the RPA (Rugby Players' Association) and the wider rugby community for the support I received before and after my injury.

"Thank you also to all the supporters, players, coaches and staff at the SRU (Scottish Rugby Union) for making the responsibility of representing Scotland such an enjoyable experience.

"I would especially like to thank James Peckitt and Doctor James Robson for helping me through a difficult rehabilitation process. Finally, thank you to my family, friends and agent for their continuing support and positive influence."

Irish rugby director Brian Smith said Ansbro's retirement was "incredibly sad news" for the player and club.

"He has remained extremely committed to the club during his injury, and his presence around the squad has been a huge lift for all the players," Smith said. "He is a very intelligent and articulate young man, and I have no doubt that he will be as committed to his next career as he has been to rugby. Everyone at the club wishes Joe all the best for the future."

Hock was punished for coming into contact with referee George Stokes during Widnes Vikings' 36-0 win over Workington in Sunday's Tetley's Challenge Cup fifth-round tie at Derwent Park.

The 29-year-old Hock, who was given a five-match ban in 2008 for manhandling referee Ian Smith while playing for Wigan, was charged with a grade D offence by the Rugby Football League's match-review panel and appeared in front of the disciplinary committee this evening via Skype.

Hock, who also served a two-year ban for using cocaine in 2009, is on a season-long loan from Wigan ahead of a move to Parramatta from 2014.

The Vikings' next four games include a game against Wigan, in which Hock cannot play due to a clause in his loan deal, but his ban expires just before England's game against the Exiles at Warrington on Friday, June 14.

Wilkinson, 33, was a high-profile omission from Warren Gatland's 37-man squad named last month, with Sexton and Saracens' Owen Farrell the two number 10s selected.

Sexton, whose Leinster side face Ulster in the PRO12 final just a week on from an Amlin Challenge Cup final date with Stade Francais, may only face opposition from Farrell for the fly-half berth but would rather have the experience of Wilkinson alongside him in the squad. "A lot of people have said to me that it is great he wasn't picked because it gives me a better chance now," he said.

"But I look at it the other way. I would have liked him to go and would have loved to have learned from him, he is a bit of a legend. I obviously looked up to him when I was 16 and he was winning the World Cup with England."

Sexton will move to French Top 14 side Racing Metro following the Lions tour, after just under a decade turning out for his boyhood club. He admits he may sneak in a few French lessons during his time away on tour and is feeling in good shape after an injury lay-off earlier this season gave him time to recuperate.

"Hopefully I've used up all of my injuries for the year over the past few months," he said. "It feels strange to be so fresh at this time of the year - I feel I'm just starting after the fact I've had two months off and I have played four games since [returning from injury] means I feel great.

"I'm starting to get a bit of match fitness and sharpness back, so hopefully I will peak at the right time for the two finals with Leinster and then the tour."

With Sexton's Leinster and Ireland team-mate Brian O'Driscoll missing the first Lions' squad meeting in London due to a slight back injury, the idea of not making the tour will be picking away at the players until the first test in Brisbane on June 22.

But although Sexton admits the threat of injury remains constant, if is not something that is playing on his mind during the important fixtures coming up.

"Since the squad has been picked, at the back of the mind you're praying that it doesn't happen," he said. "But once you get out on the pitch your competitiveness comes through and it is the last thing you think about. It is about winning and there are two finals with Leinster, it isn't like they are friendlies. Two competitive games, high pressure, they are the sorts of preparation you want."

Gatland admitted he would be watching nervously over the next couple of weeks as several of his 37-man squad face big matches for their club sides, with Ulster, Leinster, Leicester and Northampton competing for silverware. Those not involved will be the ones who will face the Barbarians in Hong Kong in the opening match of the Lions tour, giving them first crack at a Test place.

"The first three-and-a-half weeks will be about preparation for the first Test," Gatland said. "The players that prepare for that first game (in Hong Kong) are going to have the biggest advantage on tour."

He added: "They are the players not involved in the finals so they are going to have the best preparation in the next couple of weeks. The players coming back from finals are going to be at a disadvantage because of their lack of preparation time.

"So the team that plays the Barbarians should be in reasonable shape in terms of their preparations in the next couple of weeks."

While Gatland is well aware of the risk of injury for his players over the next fortnight, he told them to hold nothing back.

"It's tough for the players in terms of they know a few days after a big game they are on the plane," he said.

"There's a bit of trepidation about not picking up injuries. But if you go in with that attitude and try and look after yourself, there is more chance of picking up an injury.

"So the advice to those players is to go hell for leather."

Wigan overturned the odds to beat Manchester City at Wembley and Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder took that as proof that anything was possible for his underdog side at Allianz Park.

Northampton, who had finished 12 points behind table-toppers Saracens in the regular season, raced into a 17-0 half-time lead with tries from Brian Mujati and Jamie Elliott.

But no-one in the Saints changing room was complacent at the interval because, only two years ago, Northampton led Leinster 22-6 in the Heineken Cup final and went on to lose 33-22.

Owen Farrell kicked two penalties to keep alive any faint hopes of a Saracens comeback - but they were quashed when GJ Van Velze scored Northampton's third try just before the hour. Saracens did engineer a consolation try from Duncan Taylor when Elliot was in the sin-bin but it was the Saints who marched on to Twickenham.

Asked about the inspiration he drew from Wigan's FA Cup win, Mallinder said: "They (Saracens) finished first and we were fourth. They were unbeaten here and we hadn't beaten them all season. We hadn't beaten a top three team and they clearly were the favourites.

"But the favourites don't always win. I had a number of people reminding me of that after the Wigan-Manchester City game. We have had an up and down season. We have come in for a great deal of criticism along the way, a lot of that quite rightly.

"We have not beaten a top three team all season. We have known that. We have been reminded so many times. The players have responded. They have known they are good enough."

Mallinder decided not to mention the Heineken Cup final misery at half-time but he was thinking it, and so were the players. Tom Wood revealed it had been a key second-half motivator. "We talked about that at half-time, that 'we have been in this position before and let it slip so it was a huge motivation and it was on our minds," Wood said.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said: "It is a massive disappointment. We gave ourselves a mountain to climb at half-time. Northampton put us under a lot of pressure especially in that first half and we made a lot mistakes."

The Saints had lost all five of their previous Premiership semi-finals but they roared into a 17-0 half-time lead with quick-fire tries from Brian Mujati and Jamie Elliot.

Owen Farrell kicked two penalties to keep alive any faint hopes of a Saracens comeback - but they were quashed when GJ Van Velze scored Northampton's third just before the hour.

Saracens did engineer a try from Duncan Taylor when Elliot was in the sin-bin but Northampton's grip on the game was vice-like and Stephen Myler's second penalty, on top of his three conversions, wrapped up a famous victory.

Northampton's power engineered the breakthrough for the opening try, with a lineout drive try for Mujati, and the Saints raced into a 17-0 lead by the interval. Calum Clarke claimed the lineout and Northampton drove for the line, with Mujati stretching out an arm to touch down for a try that was awarded by television match official Graham Hughes.

Myler converted from wide on the right and, just two minutes later, he was successful from the left wing after Northampton scored a scintillating second try through Elliot.

Samu Manoa laid the foundation with a crunching tackle on Chris Ashton and Northampton launched a counter-attack from the turnover, with Dylan Hartley and Christian Day combining to release Elliot with the scoring pass.

And with an hour gone, Northampton again went over through Van Velze, who galloped over for Northampton's third try, having come on as a replacement for Courtney Lawes.

Northampton secured lineout ball on the Saracens 22, Hartley carried the ball forward and then recycled quickly for Lee Dickson, who spotted an opening down the short side and released Van Velze.

Northampton were reduced to 14 men when Elliot was sin-binned for taking Farrell out in the air and Saracens took advantage, eventually working space for Taylor to score the try.

After a tricky start they lived up to their favourites tag. Four-try Sam Tomkins led the way with a 10-minute hat-trick which took his tally to 21 tries in nine games. David Hodgson had touched down for the Robins before two tries in five minutes from Tomkins put the favourites in front.

Pat Richards, Josh Charnley and Iain Thornley also touched down for Wigan. Craig Hall reduced the arrears with two tries, but a Liam Farrell score ahead of Tomkins' final try secured an impressive win for the Warriors.

Lee Briers made a try-scoring comeback to help keep holders Warrington on course for a fourth trip to Wembley in five years with a comfortable 52-6 fifth-round success over a disappointing Salford.

The veteran stand-off scored his 149th try for the club just three minutes after entering the action. The former Welsh international also went on to kick the 1,000th goal of his career while former Salford favourite Stefan Ratchford, who deputised at stand-off during Briers' absence, demonstrated his versatility by switching to centre from where he scored his second try of the match.

Chris Hill opened the scoring for Wolves, with Joel Monaghan, Brett Hodgson and Micky Higham also weighing in with tries. Jodie Broughton prevented a whitewash with a score for Salford near the end before Paul Wood replied with yet another for Warrington.

Widnes had to dig deep to beat a spirited Workington 36-0 and progress to the quarter-finals for the first time in eight years.

The seven-time winners were far from their best but in the end had a little too much for the Championship side in miserable conditions at Derwent Park, with Dave Allen touching down twice as the visitors crossed six times and Jack Owens kicking 12 points. Chris Dean, Stefan Marsh, Gareth Hock all went over before the break with Allen's second-half double coming either side of teenager Adam Lawton's score.

Kevin Larroyer croseed for four tries and Morgan Escare ran in a hat-trick of tries as Catalan romped to a 92-8 win over York City Knights.

Thomas Bosc crossed for a try and added nine goals, while William Barthau added five goals to his try.

The England flanker rounded off a quality Tigers display by claiming his team's third try - a 50-metre solo effort complete with one-handed finish - that ended Quins' reign as English champions.

Leicester now face a Twickenham clash against Saracens or Northampton on May 25 after wrestling control when Quins' England scrum-half Danny Care received a yellow card.

With the dangerous Care out of commission, Tigers wing Niall Morris crossed for a try that followed Vereniki Goneva's first-half touchdown, and Leicester were home and dry.

Full-back Mathew Tait, who ran Croft close as Leicester's most effective performer, added a fourth try, while fly-half Toby Flood chipped in with 13 points from three penalties and two conversions.

Quins were left to reflect on three Nick Evans penalties and a late Ross Chisholm try that Evans converted as their sole crumbs of comfort.

Ultimately, they were horribly overpowered by a Leicester side that scored 27 unanswered points from 9-6 adrift just before the break, and Quins had no answer.

The Londoners, knocked out of Europe at home by Munster last month, had been chasing three major trophies this term, but they will end it with just the LV= Cup in their possession.

Wardle, who had scored his side's second try, was sent off after 61 minutes for punching Rhinos centre Carl Ablett but the Giants were already comfortably in front at 18-4 and they managed to maintain their steely defence to secure a place in the quarter-finals with a 24-8 success.

Leeds, runners-up for the last three years, were never allowed to get into their stride by their energetic opponents, who thrived in a superb atmosphere generated by a 11,389 crowd boosted by the offer of cut-price tickets.

England centre Leroy Cudjoe scored two of Huddersfield's four tries, one of them a 90-metre individual effort, while the Giants' other try-scorer was hooker Shaun Lunt, who played on loan for Leeds at Wembley last August before helping them to Grand Final glory at Old Trafford.

At the heart of a magnificent all-round effort was Huddersfield captain Danny Brough, who must have once more caught the eye of watching England coach Steve McNamara.

Kallum Watkins scored both tries for Leeds.

The 32-year-old second rower eased himself back into Super League with a low-key debut for the Black and Whites a week ago but rolled the years back with a superb performance as Hull clinically disposed of the visitors in their fifth-round tie at the KC Stadium.

Ellis, who was at the heart of a tremendous defensive effort and who tormented the Wildcats with clever offloads capped his display with his first try for the club while long-serving centre Kirk Yeaman scored his 150th, adding to two scores from Jay Pitts. Ali Lauitiiti replied with Wakefield's only score.

Michael Witt provided the inspiration as London Broncos moved into the last eight by beating Bradford Bulls 25-16 at the Stoop.

Witt claimed a try, four conversions and a drop-goal as the Broncos claimed a quarter-final spot for the second consecutive season. Matt Cook, Kieran Dixon and Scott Wheeldon also crossed for the hosts.

Bradford had opened the scoring through Jarrod Sammut, while Nick Scruton and Elliot Kear both went over late on.

Sheffield Eagles are through after defeating Kingstone Press Championship rivals Halifax 28-12 in the fifth-round tie at the Don Valley Stadium.

The Eagles, who won the Cup at Wembley in 1998, raced into a 10-0 lead after nine minutes thanks to tries from full-back Quentin Laulu-Togagae and centre Tom Armstrong as well as a goal from Dominic Brambani, before Halifax centre Steve Tyrer pulled two points back with a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

But there was no way back after Laulu-Togagae went over for his second try 12 minutes into the second half, and although Rob Worrincy gave the visitors hope with a try on the hour and Callum Casey also scored, Sheffield added further tries through Scott Turner and Menzie Yere, with Brambani kicking his fourth goal.

Quins say Robshaw failed a late fitness test. He has not played since suffering an ankle injury during the league victory over Worcester three weeks ago. England skipper Robshaw was arguably the highest-profile omission from a 37-man British and Irish Lions squad announced 10 days ago to tour Hong Kong and Australia this summer.

"I can't think any person could have done more," Quins rugby director Conor O'Shea said, reflecting on Robshaw's Lions heartache. "I think he has been very hard done-by."

He added: "Maybe sometimes you pay for being under the microscope, whereas some players can fly under the radar in non-event games.

"I told him selection is opinion. I think it's very easy to focus on what people can't do or what people do better, rather than focus on what they can do. All I see is a player who has captained England in adversity and to a record win against the All Blacks. He was magnificent in the autumn internationals. He won two out of four man-of-the match awards."

Despite finishing third in the league and missing out on play-off home advantage, title holders Quins will arrive at Welford Road following three successive wins against Leicester, including last season's Premiership final when they triumphed 30-23 and Robshaw scored a try.

Leicester, though, boast an imperious play-off record and they are bidding to book a ninth successive Premiership final appearance. They have won their last 12 semi-finals in all competitions.

"We've played a lot of rugby in a long season, but now it is just about getting the detail right and bringing your best game to the occasion," Tigers rugby director Richard Cockerill said. "We've been in good form and had some good momentum in the run-in, and we need to maintain that high level against a very good Quins side."

Saracens host Northampton in Sunday's play-off action, with Saracens unbeaten on six previous appearances as their new Allianz Park home. Saints, meanwhile, have featured in five previous Premiership semi-finals, but lost the lot.

"Under Jim Mallinder and Dorian West, Northampton have been a very consistent side in recent seasons," Saracens rugby director Mark McCall said. "Like us, they have regularly made the semi-finals of this competition and we have met many times along the way, both in league and knockout rugby. Both teams know each other well, but both teams also have players who can turn a match in an instant from any part of the pitch and in any position."

Youngs has been rewarded for a remarkable season in which he made his England debut and was called up by the British and Irish Lions just three years after he made the unprecedented move from centre to the front row.

Wasps lock Joe Launchbury picked up the Land Rover Discovery of the season award and Saracens boss Mark McCall was name QBE director of rugby of the season.

Youngs, who has won nine England caps, claimed the main award ahead of Steve Borthwick, Danny Care, Akapusi Qera, Julian Salvi and Christian Wade.

"His story is extraordinary," said Phil Winstanley, the rugby director at Premiership Rugby.

"To move from the centre to hooker is practically unheard of in professional rugby. To then go on to make your England debut and a Lions tour the following season is what dreams are made of."

"If you'd suggested such a move could be done a few years ago in Aviva Premiership Rugby people would have doubted your sanity, but Tom has proved almost anything is possible."

Wade was also short listed for the young player category, having finished the regular season as the joint leading try-scorer with 13, but Launchbury's rise to England colours earned him the award.

Saracens and Lions prop Mako Vunipola, Harlequins flanker Luke Wallace, Gloucester fly-half Freddie Burns and wing Jonny May were all shortlisted.

The England World Cup winner was released as a player last summer and seemed bound for France until he accepted the dual role under new director of rugby Nigel Davies.

Tindall has made 28 appearances for the Cherry and Whites this season and he is credited by the likes of Freddie Burns and Billy Twelvetrees for helping their rise into England colours.

"It's been a great year and a year that I've really enjoyed, especially on the playing side. It's been my best season for the last couple of years," Tindall said.

"To be able to combine the two roles for another year is great for me.

"It's been a challenge, I won't lie. It's a completely different role as I'm still out there training and playing but now have this new set of responsibilities, but it's been a good challenge and I'm enjoying it."

Tindall will continue his education this summer when he links up with the Barbarians in a player-coach capacity for their games against England and the British and Irish Lions.

The 34-year-old has thrived working under Davies at Kingsholm, a place he has called home for the last eight seasons after moving from Bath.

"I've embraced the way that Nigel has done things. He's been a breath of fresh air and come in and just let the players play," Tindall added. "He's kept it very simple, made the environment a very positive one and encouraged people to go out and enjoy themselves. I think that's probably why you've seen us make the progress we have this year.

"The big challenge for us next year is consistency. To lose to teams at the bottom, yet beat all of the top four, and push most of them away from home as well, mean there are some frustrations as well as enjoyment. But if we can progress in the same way next year, then I think we'll be in a really strong place."

The Northampton flanker will take over the leadership reins after Lancaster decided to rest a handful of front-line players, including his captain Chris Robshaw.

Chris Ashton, Danny Care, Toby Flood and Brad Barritt have also been given the chance to recharge their batteries ahead of an intense two-year build-up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Wing trio Christian Wade, Jonny May and Marland Yarde will give England exciting firepower out wide while Lancaster will run the rule over Bath's Kyle Eastmond and Saracens' Joel Tomkins in the hope of increasing his midfield options.

Up front, Lancaster should finally get a chance to give loose forwards Calum Clark and Billy Vunipola a taste of Test match rugby while lock Ed Slater, flanker Matt Kvesic, prop Henry Thomas and hooker Rob Buchanan have all been rewarded for outstanding club seasons.

There are recalls to the senior England fold for Bath lock Dave Attwood and hooker Rob Webber, Northampton prop Paul Doran-Jones, Saracens scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth and Worcester flanker Tom Johnson after his season was curtailed by injury.

Gloucester's Freddie Burns will travel as first-choice fly-half, with Alex Goode his back-up, while Lee Dickson and Wigglesworth will compete for the scrum-half jersey.

Wood was the obvious candidate to take over the captaincy, having been close to the honour when it was first given to Robshaw at the start of 2012.

England squad - Forwards: D Attwood (Bath), R Buchanan (Harlequins), C Clark (Northampton), A Corbisiero (London Irish), P Doran-Jones (Northampton), T Johnson (Exeter), M Kvesic (Worcester), J Launchbury (Wasps), C Lawes (Northampton), J Marler (Harlequins), B Morgan (Gloucester), D Paice (London Irish), E Slater (Leicester), H Thomas (Sale Sharks), B Vunipola (Wasps), R Webber (Bath), D Wilson (Bath), T Wood (Northampton, capt).

Backs: M Brown (Harlequins), F Burns (Gloucester), L Dickson (Northampton), K Eastmond (Bath), B Foden (Northampton), A Goode (Saracens), J Joseph (London Irish), J May (Gloucester), D Strettle (Saracens), J Tomkins (Saracens) B Twelvetrees (Gloucester), C Wade (Wasps), R Wigglesworth (Saracens), M Yarde (London Irish).

The Baa-Baas have now confirmed 22 players who will form the nucleus of their tour party.

The Barbarians play England at Twickenham on May 26, then head to Hong Kong for an appointment with Warren Gatland's Lions six days later.

Former England Under-20 forward Jones will be joined in the squad by his Wasps colleague Marco Wentzel, while other additions include Perpignan-based Wales international back James Hook and fellow Welshmen Dwayne Peel and Matthew Rees.

Players from 10 different countries are now represented, including Hong Kong sevens skipper Rowan Varty, brilliant United States wing Takudzwa Ngwenya and Samoa scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i.

"Our selection process has taken several months and is still not quite complete," Barbarians team manager Derek Quinnell said.

"Over the next week or so we will be monitoring the domestic play-off matches in Europe and the various national squads for the summer tours.

"Also, one or two players in the squad announced today may not be available for both of our matches, so we expect to add other significant names in the near future."

Squad: Backs - J Payne (Ulster), R Varty (DeA Tigers and Hong Kong), T Ngwenya (Biarritz and USA), J Rokocoko (Bayonne and New Zealand), J Hook (Perpignan and Wales), N Evans (Harlequins and New Zealand), K Fotuali'I (Ospreys and Samoa), D Peel (Sale Sharks and Wales), D Yachvili (Biarritz and France).

Forwards - D Jones (Ospreys and Wales), B J Botha (Munster and South Africa), P James (Bath and Wales), M Castrogiovanni (Leicester and Italy), M Rees (Scarlets and Wales), L Ghiraldini (Treviso and Italy), M Wentzel (Wasps and South Africa), J Hamilton (Gloucester and Scotland), F Louw (Bath and South Africa), S Jones (Wasps), A Zanni (Treviso and Italy), S Parisse (Stade Francais and Italy), I Harinordoquy (Biarritz and France).

The 47-year-old former Great Britain stand-off was unveiled at a news conference at the club on Tuesday morning as the successor to Ian Millward.

Castleford chief executive Steve Gill said: "We have taken our time over the appointment of a new head coach because we wanted to ensure that we brought the right man on board and I'm convinced that Daryl Powell is that man."

Powell is returning to Super League after an absence of almost 10 years.

After bringing his illustrious playing career to a close, Powell joined the Leeds backroom staff and was appointed as head coach of the Rhinos in April 2001 as the successor to the disappointing Dean Lance.

But the promotion came early in his career and within two years he was making way for the arrival of Tony Smith, with the promise of Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington that he would be given the opportunity to widen his experience in readiness for his return one day.

Instead, Powell went on to coach the Rhinos' sister rugby union club, Leeds Tykes, before joining Featherstone in 2008 and enjoying widespread success with the part-timers.

Rovers finished top of the Championship in each of his four seasons in charge and, after guiding them to Grand Final success in 2011, he masterminded a Challenge Cup victory over Castleford last season.

Powell has also coached Ireland and worked as an assistant to England head coach Steve McNamara to complete a comprehensive apprenticeship.

The 47-year-old former Sheffield Eagles, Keighley and Leeds stand-off, who won 33 caps with Great Britain, quit as Featherstone coach at the weekend and will be formally announced as the successor to Australian Ian Millward.

The appointment will herald a return to the big time for a man who a decade ago was widely viewed as one of the brightest British coaching prospects in the game.

After bringing his illustrious playing career to a close, Powell joined the Leeds backroom staff and was appointed as head coach of the Rhinos in April 2001 as the successor to the disappointing Dean Lance.

But the promotion came early in his career and within two years he was making for the arrival of Tony Smith, with the promise of Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington that he would be given the opportunity to widen his experience in readiness for his return one day.

Instead, Powell went on to coach the Rhinos' sister rugby union club, Leeds Tykes, before joining Featherstone in 2008 and enjoying widespread success with the part-timers.

Rovers finished top of the Championship in each of his four seasons in charge and, after guiding them to Grand Final success in 2011, he masterminded a Challenge Cup victory over Castleford last season.

Powell has also coached Ireland and worked as an assistant to England head coach Steve McNamara to complete a comprehensive apprenticeship.

A month ago, the Castleford job looked like a poisoned chalice with the Tigers bottom of Super League but caretaker coach Danny Orr has orchestrated wins from two of his three league games to overhaul London Broncos and Salford and enable Powell to take over a team in 12th place.

Orr will stay on to continue his own apprenticeship but Powell may also be tempted to bring in his assistant at Featherstone, Ryan Sheridan, if he is overlooked for the role of head coach of Rovers.

In a huge boost to both the Reds and Wallabies, Horwill has agreed on a new two-year contract. Horwill, who has played 35 Tests for Australia, is coming off an injury-plagued season, which was hampered by hamstring and knee problems. But he has been back to his best for the Reds over the last month since making his long-awaited return six weeks ago.

"I've made no secrets about what playing for the Reds and Wallabies means to me, so I couldn't be happier to have the contract finalised and my future settled," Horwill said.

"We've created a pretty special environment here at the Reds over the past few years but we still feel there is plenty we can achieve as a group, beginning with winning another Super Rugby title this year.

"On a personal level, to play 100 games for Queensland would be a massive honour, so to now have an opportunity to be within reach of that mark is something that will be exciting as the time gets closer."

The 28-year-old is expected to lead the Wallabies in their three-Test series with the British and Irish Lions next month.

Australia coach Robbie Deans said he was delighted Horwill has decided to re-commit to Australia rugby.

"Players have choices and a lot of factors come into it," Deans said. "But a playing career is a finite thing so commitments aren't made lightly. The key is that these guys see the opportunity ahead, see the progress that is being made in the game in Australia, and want to play their part in continuing to bring it forward."

His re-signing for the Reds comes just a week after winger Digby Ioane revealed he would be leaving the Super Rugby club and the national team for a lucrative stint with French club Stade Francais.

Horwill, who suffered a knock to the head in the Reds' draw with the Western Force over the weekend, is expected to be right to face the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Leicester booked their play-off semi-final spot with a 32-20 win at home to London Irish and they will meet Harlequins at Welford Road on Saturday. Harlequins have a fine record there, having won on their last two visits, including by a 22-9 score in September.

"We had quite a few guys missing that day (the defeat to Harlequins) but this is a one-off game," Cockerill, Leicester's director of rugby, said.

"They are a good side but we are a pretty good side too. We are not going to be complacent. If it had been Northampton we might have been after our recent success against them.

"But we have struggled to beat Harlequins, they are a good team and dangerous across the board. We have got to be dead, dead right next week otherwise it's over for us. It will be a tasty and interesting contest."

Cockerill expects all his main players to be fit, including centre Anthony Allen (neck) and England and British and Irish Lions flanker Tom Croft (shoulder), who both went off injured during the win over London Irish.

Leicester scored five tries through Croft, Ben Youngs, Mathew Tait, Vereniki Goneva and Toby Flood, while Irish replied with three from Alex Corbisiero, Topsy Ojo and Marland Yarde.

Cockerill criticised the visitors, saying: "They came to cheat and chuck the ball around."

Irish director of rugby Brian Smith said he was proud of his players who had rattled the Tigers.

"Leicester showed what a class act they are, six Lions in a team chock full of internationals. We did not want to go through the motions and we made them work hard. They deserved their win and a home semi-final, but we asked the boys to rattle some cages and they did that. I am proud of the troops."

The Warriors chief was left fuming in what he thought was a blatant shoulder charge that could leave him without his number one scrum-half for a number of weeks. Wigan cruised to a nine-try victory over Salford with Sam Tomkins and Josh Charnley grabbing two tries apiece, and although Wane was pleased with the performance he was clearly unhappy with Smith's injury.

He said: "Matty Smith, well you all saw the shoulder charge and that went on report so someone will get the benefit of that. He has badly damaged his shoulder so I wasn't impressed with that."

But he added: "I was impressed tonight. I thought we did really well and scored some great tries considering the ruck speed was painfully slow. I thought our skill was good, our concentration was good and our defence was good.

Smith's injury was not the only downside as winger Anthony Gelling also went off with a shoulder injury as he scored in the first half.

Wane added: "I feel sorry for him (Gelling), he is a good kid. He is fit and strong and then he does that, I'm really disappointed for him but he'll be back."

Wane was pleased with how his team battled and was delighted with how Epalahame Lauaki went on his first appearance of the season.

Wane said: "Lauaki was good that is another plus for us. He played longer than expected and he actually played better than we expected considering the length of time he has been out. He had a real dig and I was really pleased for him."

Salford coach Brian Noble had no complaint with the overall score as Wigan have done that to many teams this season and he revealed he will not be spending money just for the sake of it.

Noble said: "Compliments to Wigan. That is the bar that we have to aspire to. They are physically very good and they had too much prowess physically and skilfully tonight. It is a reality check for us and the commitment has to start on Monday to get better every week."

Wigan led 22-0 at the break with Sam Tomkins scoring one and having a hand in three others as they completely dominated a Salford side who looked out of their depth in defence and clueless in attack.

Josh Charnley scored a brace of tries, Tomkins added a second with additions from Ben Flower, Anthony Gelling, Liam Farrell, Lee Mossop and Blake Green as Charnley added five goals for the Warriors, while a late try from Adam Walne - converted by Marc Sneyd - was all Salford could manage in reply.

Widnes notched an historic win to deepen the woes of St Helens and increase the pressure on coach Nathan Brown, who watched his side suffer their fifth successive defeat - a 35-28 loss.

The Vikings celebrated their first ever Super League victory over their neighbours, who fell apart after sweeping into an early 12-6 lead. Widnes ran in three tries in a five-minute spell to go ahead 28-12 at the break and Saints could not find a way back.

Jack Owens scored a brace of tries - along with five conversions - while Steve Pickersgill, Jon Clarke, Stefan Marsh and Joe Mellor added one each for the away side. Saints hit back through Luke Thompson, Anthony Laffranchi, Ade Gardner, Tony Puletua and Alex Walmsley - Tom Makinson added the extras.

Centre Carl Ablett scored a try in each half as Leeds eased to a comfortable 42-22 derby triumph over Bradford to stretch their unbeaten run to eight matches and climb to third place in the table.

Prop Ryan Bailey marked his return from a four-match ban with his first try of the season and Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield kicked seven goals from seven attempts on his 450th appearance for the club.

Watkins, Achurch, McGuire and Zak Hardaker also crossed over for the Rhinos, while Elliot Kear scored a brace for Bradford as Brett Kearney and Ben Evans added one apiece and Jarrod Sammut kicked over three goals.

Hull celebrated the long-awaited competitive debut of captain Gareth Ellis in style as they strolled to a 28-12 victory over London Broncos for their fifth win in their last six games in league and cup.

Australia were shocked into action 12 years ago when the Lions were roared on to victory in the first Test by a sea of red as visiting supporters took over Brisbane's Gabba. John O'Neill, chief executive of the Australian Rugby Union at the time, sanctioned the production of more than £60,000 worth of gold scarves and hats in an urgent bid to redress the balance.

O'Neill, who is now an independent Rugby World Cup director, said: "I coined the phrase 'be bold, wear gold' in 2001 - all the gold scarves and hats in the stadium in Melbourne cost us about A$100,000 (£66,000)."

He added: "Walking into the Gabba for that first Test to be confronted by that sea of red, and to hear everything from Swing Low Sweet Chariot to the Fields of Athenry and Flower of Scotland, we had to do something."

At the 2003 World Cup, England found themselves under siege from the Australian media. One newspaper urged Wallaby fans to make a din outside England's Manly hotel the night before the final.

O'Neill added: "It was a wonderful game but we were beaten on and off the paddock. Inevitably (there will be some mind games). It's all part of the theatre and you'd be lost without it.

"You need to win the battle on the paddock and you need to win the battle off the paddock. There's a lot at stake."

Lions coach Warren Gatland, who is not averse to lobbing the odd verbal grenade himself, is braced for an Australian dirty tricks campaign. Gatland has previously described O'Neill as a master wind-up merchant and he is braced for some "psychological warfare".

"The best thing about Australia is their desire to win," Gatland said. "They're incredibly competitive and we've got to be prepared for anything, media-wise or anything from coaches or former players to potentially have an influence.

"John O'Neill in the past has been a master of that and has had a big influence in the way he's done that. That's part of our job to do something about covering off every eventuality that potentially could happen, including psychological warfare in terms of the media."

Jones will head Down Under as one of 15 Welshmen in coach Warren Gatland's Lions squad. It is a tour party sufficiently strong enough to suggest that a first Test series victory anywhere since the 1997 triumph against South Africa is a realistic prospect.

"Not many people realise how good Australia are when the pressure is on. They beat us (Wales) last year 3-0, and we had a chance to win that series," Jones said.

"They are very, very good under pressure, and they have been preparing for this (Lions tour) for a year. Don't underestimate how good they are going to be.

"There are hundreds of excellent players in the southern hemisphere. Everyone is saying it's the best chance for the Lions to go out there and win, but you can't underestimate them. That will come back to bite you."

Jones is a clear favourite for the Lions Test tighthead job ahead of England's Dan Cole. Any external suggestions of a suspect Australian scrum, though, are met with short shrift.

"To be fair, people always say that about Australia," he added. "That does them a disservice.

"Ben Alexander is one of the best tightheads in the world, (James) Slipper and (Benn) Robinson are excellent props, and the two hookers are no mugs either. It is something the British media have made up.

"England have done well against them in the past when (Andrew) Sheridan was demolishing them, but in a couple of those games Matt Dunning was at tighthead, and he is a loosehead.

"They got Sheridan on a good day, and he ripped through them. Everyone remembers that, rather than the games where they had parity scrummage-wise. It is not the walkover people seem to think."

The Australian, who led Scotland to a third-place finish in the RBS 6 Nations, is set to take charge of the team for their summer tournament with Italy, Samoa and hosts South Africa.

The SRU said Johnson would remain as head coach until the position is filled and will "continue to have involvement with the Scotland team through until the 2015 Rugby World Cup and beyond".

Johnson joined the Scotland coaching team ahead of last summer's successful tour of Australasia and took over on an interim basis after Andy Robinson resigned following Scotland's defeat by Tonga in November. The SRU appointed Jonathan Humphreys as Scotland's forwards coach earlier this week and will continue to work with Johnson to identify his successor.

Chief executive Mark Dodson said: "It's imperative that we get the right candidate as head coach of the national team to take us to the 2015 Rugby World Cup and Scott and I are working together on this and have thought long and hard about the best solution and people for Scottish rugby to continue to head in the right direction.

"Johnno has been a popular coach with the players, as underlined by our third-place finish in the most recent RBS 6 Nations Championship. As he's said, he enjoys hands-on coaching and his reputation in that role has been enhanced by his work with the Scotland team.

"But he also has other qualities in abundance that we wish to utilise and it was a decision that was made by both parties to get the best structures and systems in place to take Scottish rugby forward. The director of rugby is a hugely important appointment, one that is absolutely integral to Scotland's standing on the world stage in the next decade and beyond.

"This appointment is about laying the foundations as we prepare our teams for the key tests of their status that occur along the way to milestones like the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England and the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

"Scott will lead on player acquisition and contracting. He'll be responsible for driving a new Academy structure and for heading up our coach development, which includes our priority of nurturing the next generation of Scottish coaches who can operate at elite level.

"Scotland 7s and Scotland Women will also be significant parts of his remit, while two of the pillars of professional rugby, strength and conditioning and medical, will report into him too along with a significant involvement with the national team."

The commercial requirement for the major nations like England and New Zealand to play on weekends has previously led to the smaller nations having to play in midweek with little rest time. In 2003, Italy's genuine quarter-final ambitions were ravaged by the fact they had to play four games in 14 days and Samoa suffered similarly at New Zealand 2011.

After Samoa had lost 17-10 to a Wales side who had enjoyed three more days' rest between matches, the outspoken centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapola raged that his country were being treated like slaves. "The message is that 2011 was the last time we could tolerate tier two nations having to face an unfair schedule," said John O'Neill, a director of Rugby World Cup Ltd.

The unfair practice has been largely rectified for the 2015 tournament, with New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, Scotland and Wales all pressed into midweek action.

International Rugby Board chief executive Brett Gosper said: "The rest days are equal for tier one teams as tier two teams. There is a very balanced rest day programme.

"There have been issues in the past where we have seen performances fall off at the back end of the pool stages for tier two teams because they don't have the depth and haven't had the rest days."

O'Neill insisted the 2015 fixture schedule should be the blueprint for all future tournaments, even in 2019 when the World Cup heads to Japan. The Asian time zone will bring increased commercial pressures from the lucrative European television market, which will want the leading nations to play at weekends.

"The equity and fairness of this draw should be embedded in all future tournaments," O'Neill said. "There are 20 teams in this competition and the only team with home-ground advantage is the hosts. After that, every other team has to be on a level playing field in terms of facilities, training and rest etc.

"Australia has a three-day break, for example. That's fine. You've got to live with it - that's why you bring 30 players. You can't ignore the commercial realities, but what we have here is a proper mix of commercial outcomes and fairness to all teams.

"This is a template which should endure for all future tournaments. There has been an adjustment so that tier two nations have the same treatment as the tier one teams."

England Rugby 2015 has unveiled the 13 venues that will stage the 48 tournament matches, with the Olympic Stadium joining Twickenham, Wembley and the Millennium Stadium on the list.

England's final Pool A match will be played in Manchester, Scotland tackle Samoa and South Africa in Newcastle and Leeds' Elland Road will host two fixtures. There will also be eight matches at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, with Wales playing two pool matches at their home arena although their fixtures against England and Australia will be at Twickenham.

ER2015 has to sell 2.9million tickets to meet its £80million guarantee and was forced to lean more heavily on the Olympic Stadium and Millennium Stadium after Manchester United withdrew Old Trafford from the mix. But ER2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans insisted the World Cup will still be a national event and she vowed to stick to previous promises over low ticket prices.

"We have taken the game to the whole country," Jevans said. "We have three big stadia in London but we have taken the game through the whole country and we are proud of that fact. It is a great mix and will ensure that 92 per cent of the population is within 50 miles of a World Cup venue.

"We want England 2015 to be an inclusive tournament that is accessible to all. We're confident we're going to be able to honour the minimum access prices that there were and that's certainly a commitment to us to be able to do that.

"We really wanted to take England to the north-west and we are delighted Manchester City came to the table and we have a fantastic venue in that. It is a great opportunity for fans to come and watch England play.

"When it comes to the fact it is in the middle of the football season, we are confident the profile of rugby and the campaign we have will ensure there is a massive focus on rugby in 2015.

"We want England to feel like a rugby nation in 2015. You think of 1966, you think the football World Cup. You think of 2012 and it is the Olympics and Paralympics. We want 2015 to remembered as a rugby year, the Rugby World Cup, and to create a generation of rugby heroes and role models."

The 13 stadia selected include two Aviva Premiership rugby grounds, in Gloucester and Exeter, and the club football grounds of Aston Villa, Brighton, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester City, MK Dons and Leicester. England will kick off the tournament at Twickenham on the evening of Friday September 18, 2015, against the Oceania qualifiers, likely to be Fiji.

The 32-year-old former Wests Tigers second rower broke a bone in his foot in the warm-up to the opening game of the season at his former club Leeds and said he felt he had let the club down, but he is now fully recovered and is excited at the prospect of leading the team out against London Broncos at the KC Stadium.

Gentle said: "He just needs to get out there, dust some cobwebs off and get his timing back. He only came back into training a week and a half ago. There's nothing I expect, he's just got to fulfil his role, play his part and not worry about anyone else's."

He added: "It's very difficult for your captain to be sitting in a losing meeting and not being able to say anything. You feel like an outsider.

"But, as he got closer to playing, his input has been more, he's become more vocal."

Hull, who are in the top eight only on points difference, have received a double boost as they enter the second half of the regular season, with Australian stand-off Daniel Holdsworth also making his comeback from injury against the Broncos.

Signed from Salford in the close season, Holdsworth played in the first three matches of the season but picked up a head injury in the draw at St Helens and complained of headaches over the next month.

Like Ellis, he has been given a clean bill of health and Gentle cannot wait to see his two high-profile signings in harness for the first time.

"You can see by the difference in training what the two of them have brought to us," Gentle said.

"They're not going to win us the game and they're not going to lose us the game but their presence is definitely going to lift us."

Both players missed this season's entire RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign due to injury, but they have been named in a 32-man training squad by tour head coach Robin McBryde.

"We have selected a squad with the right blend of experience and youth, and this is a great opportunity for players to make their mark on the international stage," he said.

"It's a chance for some players to experience the international environment for the first time, but it is also an opportunity for players who have been involved previously to take the next step as we look to develop leaders.

"We are travelling to Japan as RBS 6 Nations Champions and are focussed on the two-Tests that await us there. We will be looking to finish the season on a high."

The group will be reduced to 27 players nearer departure. Wales play Japan in Osaka on June 8, and then in Tokyo seven days later. The training party features 11 uncapped players, with the announcement coming just 24 hours after British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland selected 15 Welshmen in his squad for this summer's tour to Hong Kong and Australia.

Fly-half Dan Biggar, the only player who started Wales' recent record 30-3 victory over England not to gain Lions selection, joins Priestland in the group as experienced number 10 options for McBryde.

Long-serving internationals Ryan Jones, Matthew Rees and James Hook are all rested, but they will be available to join the Lions in the event of injuries, if required.

Backs: S Shingler (London Irish), T Prydie (Newport Gwent Dragons), H Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Liam Williams (Scarlets), D Howells (Ospreys), J Spratt (Ospreys), O Williams (Cardiff Blues), A Beck (Ospreys), S Williams (Scarlets), D Biggar (Ospreys), R Priestland (Scarlets), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), T Knoyle (Scarlets), A Davis (Scarlets).

Forwards: R Bevington (Ospreys), R Gill (Saracens), S Hobbs (Cardiff Blues), S Andrews (Cardiff Blues), C Mitchell (Exeter), R Jones (Scarlets), K Owens (Scarlets), E Phillips (Scarlets), S Baldwin (Ospreys), B Davies (Cardiff Blues), L Reed (Cardiff Blues), A Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons), J King (Ospreys), A Shingler (Scarlets), D Baker (Ospreys), R McCusker (Scarlets), A Pretorius (Cardiff Blues), J Navidi (Cardiff Blues).

England hooker Hartley was a surprise inclusion in the 37-man squad named on Tuesday for the tour to Australia, securing a place ahead of Rory Best who was expected to be included.

In the build up to the 2011 RBS 6 Nations, Wales scrum-half Richie Rees was banned for 12 weeks for gouging Hartley, prompting Gatland to criticise the Northampton front row. But Gatland insists the hatchet has been buried and is looking forward to working with Hartley, saying: "I've got a lot of respect and time for Dylan, despite what people might think."

He added: "I don't want to raise the issue, but I made the comments that I made because of the way in which Dylan was advised to speak about how a player was suspended and that upset me.

"The reaction didn't really fit for me - a tough front row forward and a Kiwi boy brought up in Rotorua. If someone grabs you by the eye and you don't have a reaction, yet it's so painful afterwards......

"I said the things I did. Afterwards I went up to him, shook his hand and told him I was a little bit over the top in what I said. He respected that. His form has been good recently, but Rory Best was really unlucky."

Gatland insists the Lions must be ready for "psychological warfare" in Australia, claiming the media will be used as a platform for mind games.

"Part of our job is to cover off every eventuality - psychological warfare in terms of the media and what people might say because that's what happens in professional sport," he said.

"The media can potentially have an influence on young men and players and we must guard against ourselves and be prepared for what might happen in Australia.

"The great thing about Australians is their desire to win. They're incredibly competitive and we have to be prepared for anything, media wise or anything from coaches or former players."

The Bulls were given only a 12-month provisional licence last September after being taken out of administration by local businessman Omar Khan and Bradford MP Gerry Sutcliffe.

Now they have been put on the same footing as the other 13 Super League clubs, whose current three-year licences expire at the end of next season.

"The Bulls have been granted an extension of the year-long licence they were awarded in September 2012," said the RFL's director of licensing and standards Blake Solly.

"The new licence expires at the end of the 2014."

Under the new regime, Bradford are debt-free and have proved competitive on the field under new head coach Francis Cummins, despite being unable to claim their full allocation of central funding which was a condition of them retaining their Super League status.

Solly added: "Bradford have delivered good crowds with people paying full rate for their season tickets and the team are obviously performing very well on the pitch.

"They're working very hard to make sure the club is a sustainable business and they've certainly engaged and energised the local community.

"Like all clubs, cash-flow is tight but they have made great progress, given the situation they inherited."

Lions coach Warren Gatland telephoned Wilkinson on Monday to offer him a place on the tour of Australia, but the former England international said he was unavailable. Gatland had insisted that all players must be available for the opening tour match against the Barbarians in Hong Kong on June 1, the same day as the French Top 14 final.

"It was a hugely proud moment for me to be called by Warren Gatland, to be told that they were thinking of me in this way," Wilkinson told The Times. "I was phenomenally proud to be considered for the Lions, so it's very disappointing that I'm unavailable."

He added: "If Toulon manage to get through to the final of the Top 14, my absolute priority lies with them and helping to get the best out of a team that has been so good to me for so long.

"It is, after all, these guys who have got me to the stage where I could even be considered for the Lions."

Wilkinson, 33, underwent a groin procedure in January, he may require another operation in the summer and he told Gatland he was physically not able to cope with a full seven-week tour.

The Lions are only taking two fly-halves and so Wilkinson would have had to be involved in most of the 10 fixtures, either in the starting side or on the bench.

But Wilkinson did not rule out taking part in his third Lions tour as an injury replacement, should anything happen to Jonathan Sexton or Owen Farrell.

"I told him where I am at the moment, that there's a bit of day-to-day management where my body is concerned," Wilkinson said.

"I'll see how I am at the end of the club season and if Warren needs me and I am able to get involved, that would be fabulous."

Wilkinson was offered a place in the 37-man squad announced on Tuesday morning, but declined due to his club commitments with Toulon and the deteriorating state of his fitness.

When Gatland suggested he could be on standby in the event that recognised fly-halves Jonathan Sexton and Owen Farrell were injured, the 33-year-old former England fly-half was non-committal. "We had the discussion about if someone picks up an injury. There was no yes or no from him," he said.

"He just said he wasn't quite sure if he was going to have an operation in an off season. He is managing himself from week to week at the moment, not doing a lot of training and he said he was hanging on by his finger nails.

"To take someone like that on the Lions tour and get through the physical demands that there are would be hard. But if one of the 10s get an injury and is a couple of weeks out and Jonny is fit and available, then that's another discussion. We left it open-ended like that."

With Wilkinson having been offered a place on the tour, it is possible that Farrell would have missed out with Gatland indicating that only 37 players would travel. Wilkinson and Farrell went head-to-head in Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final between Toulon and Saracens with England's World Cup-winning fly-half producing a man of the match display.

"We could have taken three 10s and we understand that potentially there is a little bit of a risk. We only took two 10s in 2009," said Gatland, who revealed Scotland's Stuart Hogg will offer fly-half cover.

"But we felt like it was such a pivotal position in terms of the role, leadership and direction that we wanted whoever the two 10s were to get a number of games under their belt.

"Take a third 10 and you're trying to give him a couple of games as well and maybe you are arriving at the third Test and both 10s are a little underdone."

When asked whether he would have taken three fly-halves had Wilkinson accepted, Gatland replied: "We didn't even have that discussion. I am just speculating now. I don't know. He didn't say yes so we didn't actually have to have that conversation. Jonny was someone we have always had in the back of our minds in terms of potential."

Impressed by Wilkinson's masterclass in Toulon's Heineken Cup semi-final victory over Saracens, Gatland rang the 33-year-old former England fly-half on Monday to offer him a place in the squad.

While grateful to have received the call, Wilkinson responded that his club commitments in France and the deteriorating state of his fitness prevented him from accepting. Gatland said: "I asked Jonny if he could tour and he said he wasn't available. I wouldn't have made the phone call if it wasn't to offer him a place on the tour."

He added: "I told him that we wanted everyone on the tour to be on the plane to Hong Kong and he couldn't make that commitment because he's committed to Toulon.

"He appreciated the call, but he said he's struggling with his body and managing himself week to week. I think physically he would struggle to do a tour.

"He was honest about himself and said 'I'm hanging on with my fingernails here at the moment and I probably need another operation'."

Ireland's Jonathan Sexton and Owen Farrell of England are the recognised fly-halves among the 37, but an injury to one of them could result in Wilkinson joining the tour at a later date.

"We asked him about what happens if there is an injury later in the tour and he said 'we can have that conversation later if that crops up'," Gatland told Sky Sports News.

"Having someone potentially of that experience if we have an injury....he might be available."